Technical FAQs

Information on the use and care of fischertechnik battery pack (35537)

The fischertechnik battery pack provides a high-performance power supply for all fischertechnik models. The integrated short circuit protection ensures a high level of safety when building and operating the models. To ensure the battery pack maintains its performance over the long term, we recommend that you observe the following information:

1. Only the fischertechnik charger should be used to charge the battery pack. It constantly monitors the charge status of the battery pack during charging, and switches over automatically to a trickle charge as soon as the battery is full. This prevents the battery pack from becoming overloaded and damaged.

2. Once the battery pack is empty, it must always be separated from connected devices (e.g. Motors, lights, interface, IR receivers). This can be done via a switch or by pulling out the plug. This prevents the battery pack from entering a deep discharge state and becoming damaged.

3. If a battery pack is stored or not in use for a long period of time (over 2 months), it will slowly discharge (self-discharge). Therefore, batteries should only be stored fully charged and should be recharged at the latest after 2 months. This prevents the battery pack from being damaged and permanently losing capacity.

Radio law adaptation information for Japan

Wireless communication function in each of the below listed fischertechnik products uses communication modules for which we acquired technology certification by radio wave law and telecommunications business law in Japan:

Will the current NiMH Accu Pack require a different charger than for the previous NiCd Accu Pack?

The current NiMH Accu Pack can also be charged with the charger from the previous NiCd Accu Set.

Is it possible to upload a self-made sound in the PLUS Sound & Lights sound module?

Yes. The files must be stored as a 22khz 8bit mono wav file.

The pneumatic cylinders in my model do not move properly.

There can be different reasons for this. In the booklets for the kits "PROFI Pneumatic 3," "ROBO TXT ElectroPneumatic" and "PROFI Pneumatic Power" you will find an overview of the error search in the last chapter.

Can motors break if they have to lift heavy loads?

No. If the load is too heavy, the motor stops.

What can I use to drive a differential?

You can use a 31414 differential drive wheel Z14, a 137196 differential wheel XM motor or a 35143 differential wheel power motor. See also instructions for the XM motor set.

The solar motor of the PROFI Oeco Energy or PROFI Solar Power does not rotate. What can be the reason for this?

It could be that the model was not assembled correctly and the engine cannot rotate easily. But perhaps the light intensity is also too low. Please check this with direct sunlight, a halogen lamp or a desk lamp (no LED bulbs).

The PROFI Oeco Energy’s light-emitting diode does not light up.

Please check the polarity and pay attention to the correct rotation direction of the turbine/water wheel/wind wheel.

The water wheel/wind wheel may turn too slowly.

The PROFI Oeco Energy'e "Goldcap" energy storage does not work.

Possibly, the Goldcap is connected to the solar modules when recharging. Check whether the plugs are connected as described in the building instructions (on + and - hold) and whether the light intensity is sufficient (see "Solarmotor Does Not Rotate").

Can a normal 9V fischertechnik motor be operated with the solar module?

No, only the solar motor (156494 or 69205) can be operated with the solar module.

The solar module doesn’t work – what can I do?

High-quality fischertechnik solar components function with a 40W incandescent or halogen bulb at a distance of approx. 40 cm or under sufficient daylight. Direct sunlight is not even necessary during the summer. Sufficient light will be available even if it is cloudy. The solar technology does not work with LED bulbs or fluorescent bulbs (in general, not only with fischertechnik).
You will find lots of other useful information on solar technology in our eLearning portal.

Are there SPS programs from fischertechnik for the 24V training model?

Can solar components (solar motor, LED, Goldcap) be operated with a normal 9V fischertechnik power supply?

No, the solar components may only be operated with the solar module (136239), solar cell (62567) or fuel cell (136734).

No or very slow generation of hydrogen in the fuel cell from the PROFI Fuel Cell Kit. What can be the reason for this?

The connection between the solar modules and the fuel cell is not correct. The operating instructions describe how to check this. Possibly the strength of the light source may be too low. This can be determined by exposing the model to a strong light source, such as direct sunlight, a halogen lamp or a desk lamp (no LED bulbs).

Another possible source of error could be the fuel cell membrane is too dry. In this case, the fuel cell filled with distilled water should be allowed to stand for 30 minutes.

Model from PROFI E-Tech does not work. What can be the reason for this?

The wiring may not be correct. Look closely at the wiring diagram in the construction manual. Perhaps the sliding switch (DIP switch) on the electronics module is not set correctly. Here you can also look at the wiring diagram in the construction manual.

The photocell from PROFI Electronics does not work. What can be the reason for this?

It might be you have used the bulb light instead of the lens tip (ball lamp: white base, lens tip lamp: gray base). It could also be because the phototransistor is polarity reversed. Look at the wiring diagram in the construction manual. Also, the lamp might not be directly aligned or the phototransistor might be defective.

It might be you have used the bulb light instead of the lens tip (ball lamp: white base, lens tip lamp: gray base). It could also be because the phototransistor is polarity reversed. Look at the wiring diagram in the construction manual. Also, the lamp might not be directly aligned or the phototransistor might be defective.

The electronics module from PROFI Electronics does not work What can be the reason for this?

It may be that the electronics module is not powered. Check whether the accu pack is charged, the 9V block battery is full, or the polarity is not correct (red means +, green means -).

The PLUS BT Control Set’s servo lever turns uncontrolled to the left and right. What can be the reason for this?

This can be due to a too low voltage supply. Therefore always use the fischertechnik accu set for the power supply.

The PLUS BT Control Set's servo (lever?, motor?, drive?) does not work. What can be the reason for this?

It could be that the plug of the servo is wrongly inserted. Please check this in the operating instructions.

The PLUS BT Control Set's receiver does not work. What can be the reason for this?

It could be the power supply is not correct, because it was incorrectly polarized (red means +, green means -). The LED light should flash twice. A further test can be found according to the error list in the instruction manual.